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GE nine-Inch portable 2-speed oscillating fan, model Fl-OF-9A

CPSC Recall #83-061 - November 29, 1983

Recall Summary

Recall Number83-061
Recall DateNovember 29, 1983
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedApproximately 2,100

Product

GE nine-Inch portable 2-speed oscillating fan, model Fl-OF-9A

Description

Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the General Electric Company (GE) warns consumers that its 1983 nine inch portable 2-speed oscillating fan, model Fl-OF-9A, presents a fire hazard. In the initial CPSC/GE news release of July 28, 1983, GE announced a recall program, indicating that fan overheating could result from a defective speed control switch, and warned that some fans could present a potential fire hazard.CPSC and the General Electric Company have reassessed the problem and have determined that this fan can ignite in flames and is a severe fire hazard. GE has received 17 additional reports of overheated fans or fan fires since the July 28, 1983, news release. A total of 35 incidents have been reported by GE. Though no injuries have resulted, GE and CPSC are concerned that a number of these fire incidents have occurred while fans were operating at night when consumers were asleep. GE estimates that approximately 2,100 fans out of more than 10,000 still in the hands of consumers are subject to this problem.GE's voluntary recall program involves the replacement of the nine inch Fl-OF-9A fan with a twelve inch model, at no cost to the consumer.Owners of GE portable oscillating fans are asked to read the model number on the bottom of the fan base. Consumers who identify their fans as model Fl-OF-9A should stop using it, unplug the unit and not attempt to disassemble or service it themselves. Owners should then call the GE Answer Center™ a 24-hour toll-free service at 800-626-2000 (ask for Dept. 25), for complete information on free replacement. No other fans or products are involved.GE has also indicated that it will attempt to reach owners of the Fl-OF-9A fan through owner registration cards. Information concerning this matter is also available to consumers on CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.

Hazard

GE announced a recall program, indicating that fan overheating could result from a defective speed control switch, and warned that some fans could present a potential fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

GE has received 17 additional reports of overheated fans or fan fires since the July 28, 1983, news release. A total of 35 incidents have been reported by GE, though no injuries have resulted.

Remedy Instructions

GE's voluntary recall program involves the replacement of the nine inch Fl-OF-9A fan with a twelve inch model, at no cost to the consumer.Owners of GE portable oscillating fans are asked to read the model number on the bottom of the fan base. Consumers who identify their fans as model Fl-OF-9A should stop using it, unplug the unit and not attempt to disassemble or service it themselves. Owners should then call the GE Answer Center™ a 24-hour toll-free service at 800-626-2000 (ask for Dept. 25), for complete information on free replacement. No other fans or products are involved.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident, they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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